Page 323 - Child's own book

Leander made no reply, but retired sad and pensive to his
own home; where he spent the night in pondering what was
best for him to do ; for there was no likelihood he should be
able to defend himself against the king s son ; and therefore he
at length concluded to see the world. Being ready to depart, he
recollected his snake, and calling for some milk and fruits*
carried them to the poor creature, designing to take his leave
and dismiss i t ; but on opening the door he perceived an extra­
ordinary lustre in one cotdpt of the room ; and casting his eye
on the place lie was surprised to see a lady, whose noble and
majestic air made him immediately conclude she was a princess
of royal birth. Her habit was of purple satin, embroidered
with pearls and diamonds; and advancing towards him with a
gracious smile, “ Young prince,!J said she, u you are no longer
to seek here for the snake which you brought hither; it is not
here, but you find me in its place, to requite your generosity;
but, to speak more intelligibly, know that I am the fairy Gen-
tilla, famous for the feats of mirth and dexterity which I can
perform. We live a hundred years in flourishing youth, with­
out diseases, without trouble or pain; and this term being
expired, we become snakes for eight days : and this is the only
time which may prove fatal to u s; for then it is not in our
power to prevent any misfortune that may befal us; and if we
happen to be killed, we never revive again. But these eight
days being expired, we resume our usual form, and recover our
beauty, our power, and our riches. Now you know how much
I ara obliged to your goodness, and it is but just that 1 should
repay my debt of gratitude : think how 1 can serve yon* and
depend on me.1”
The young prince, who had never conversed with a fairy till
now, was so surprised that he was a long time before he could
speak. But at length, making her a profound reverence*